How to Apply Acrylic Resin to a Table

Acrylic resin is a hard, thermoplastic coating used to protect surfaces from stains, scratches, water rings and other types of damage. This material makes an ideal surface for tables because it also looks glossy and is easy to keep clean. Applying acrylic resin doesn't take any kind of special skills, but you must be prepared to work quickly because it starts to harden within minutes.

1

Set up your work supplies in a well-ventilated area. Make sure that you have enough room to easily reach all sides of your table. Place a drop cloth, tarp, cardboard or newspaper on the floor to catch any drips.

2

Vacuum or damp mop your work area to get rid of as much dust as possible. A clean, dust-free environment is vital to achieving a glossy finish on your table.

3

Wipe off the table's surface with a damp rag to remove any dust, lint, dirt, bugs or other small bits of debris. Any little thing left on the surface will be a permanent part of the table once the resin hardens.

4

Run plastic tape along the underside edges of your table to prevent runoff from forming drips. Don your protective gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from the chemicals in the resin mixture.

5

Prepare the acrylic resin for use according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some resins come in a premixed form, but most come in a powder that you must mix with another chemical solution to create the clear, thick liquid.

6

Pour the resin mixture over the entire tabletop using a circular motion. Immediately level out the liquid using a putty knife, plastic spatula or a brush made specifically for acrylic resins. Pull the liquid from the outer edges of the table and move in toward the center.

7

Remove any bubbles that appear on the tabletop. Gently blowing across the surface should suffice for smaller tables. For bigger surfaces, use a small propane torch with a medium flame. Wave the torch evenly across the surface, never getting any closer than three inches from the top of your table.

8

Wait a few minutes before draping a light plastic cover over the tabletop to protect your work. Allow the acrylic resin to harden for the length of time specified in the manufacturer's directions.

9

Remove the plastic tape from underneath the edges. Any drips should come off with the tape. If you spot any remaining drips, simply sand them off with fine-grit sandpaper.

Things You Will Need

Drop cloth, tarp, cardboard or newspaper

Vacuum or mop

Rag

Masking tape

Gloves and safety glasses

Putty knife, plastic spatula or brush

Plastic cover

Fine-grit sandpaper

Tips

The acrylic resin should always be the final coat on any piece of furniture. Paint and add any decorative items to your table before applying the resin.

Always work with acrylic resin on a level surface so the liquid spreads out more evenly.

Warnings

Don't spread the resin mixture too thin or you will end up with a wavy texture on your tabletop.

Leave the surface alone once it starts setting or you risk damaging your tabletop.